Laurence boccolini Departs France Télévisions Following Dispute Over Contract Exclusivity
PARIS - Television host Laurence Boccolini announced Tuesday she is leaving France Télévisions “regretfully” after disagreements over the terms of a new contract, marking a dramatic exit following her removal as host of the popular program Children of TV. The departure comes just months after Boccolini took the helm of the revived show in 2023, succeeding Laurent Ruquier.
Boccolini’s decision stems from a dispute over exclusivity demands made by France Télévisions during final negotiations.According to a message released by the host, the channel requested she grant them exclusive rights to her television services in exchange for a limited number of prime-time shows in 2026 and continued hosting of the program Password. This demand proved unacceptable to Boccolini, who values her “freedom of speech.”
The host expressed her frustration over what she described as a “brutal and late eviction” from Children of TV, a show where she “established audience records.” Faustine Bollaert has already replaced Boccolini as host.Boccolini revealed Monday, in an interview with Jordan De Luxe on YouTube, that the ouster resulted in the loss of “almost 100% of (her) turnover,” adding, “I’m angry, I’m hurt.”
France Télévisions acknowledged the decision,stating they were “working to find a solution” to a planned filming with candidates scheduled for Wednesday. stéphane Sitbon Gomez, director of antennas and programs at France Télévisions, told Puremédias the channel intends to offer Boccolini The Champions Quiz and is developing other projects with her in fiction and streaming, reiterating his “attachment” to her work.
Boccolini, 62, previously hosted weak link on TF1. She plans to continue engaging with her audience through her YouTube channel.
